We have approval from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) to continue with the scope of work we presented to them a few weeks ago. This scope included complete replacement (aside from the framing and windows of course) of the kitchen, mudroom, and downstairs bathroom. Charlie and the boys have removed the last of the flooring in the kitchen. The plan includes replacing joists and subflooring for stabilization, installation of either pine flooring we received from Delphia McCarty of Chancellor or oak flooring from the Tritt's--haven't decided yet. After the floor is in, the drywall goes up!!! We have very animated conversations about how the kitchen should be laid out-----I keep saying it's MY kitchen but for some reason, even Chas thinks he has the best design option going - sooooo we listen. :) As the work in the kitchen moves along, the girls and I continue to wash walls and baseboards, spackle, and scrub floors (a big thank you goes to my mom for buying me a steam mop!). Next weekend, we should be able to sand, re-spackle, sand, wipe the walls down, and put some paint on Grandma's room! After that room is painted, the living room and foyer get paint. We've decided to plant Dogwoods and Red Buds along the driveway--keeping the height of the red buds consistent with the Dogwoods. Hosta, daylilies, dailies, azaleas, and a Weeping Willow are planned for the property also. There will be pictures of some significant change for you all soon!

I am glad to see that Cleydael is being cared for by loving hands. The Surratt Society's Spring Booth Tour buses will be visiting Cleydael on the following dates. April 14, 21, 28 and May 5.. We have been"visiting" Cleydael each Spring and Fall since 1976 when we did our first Booth Tour. We have seen many changes but this one is the best. We too thank Ed Veazey for helping to save this grand old house.

Thank you for the kind words---I can't tell you how eager we are to finally live there. We are very excited the house will be included in the tour as usual and look forward to the visit!

Reply

Colleen

3/29/2012 01:03:15 am

I am so thankful to see your restoration work on Cleydael. I visited and stayed at the house many times before the former owner died, and was so sad to see it's deterioration. Several of my friends and I were in the same living history group as the former owner, and were "local color" in period costumes when the Surratt House tours came through. When the previous owner first bought the house, she did a wonderful job decorating it in period furniture, etc., but things deteriorated greatly over the years, as did the health of the previous owner. Again, thank you so much for restoring this house to its original beauty! I'm very happy that it is in such caring hands!

Hi Colleen, we have probably seen pictures of you in snapshots taken on tour days. We are very fortunate that everything lined up in our favor in the purchase of the property and plan to do everything we can to honor Kathryn's memory. It would have been nice to meet her. :)

Reply

Colleen

4/1/2012 01:19:15 am

You probably have seen pictures.....and Kathryn would love what you are doing!

Glad to meet you today! And very excited to check out your website and see what's been going on in the house. I remember a lot of those rooms from my childhood, when I had a good friend who lived in the house. I especially remember the crazy big bathroom upstairs! Good luck with all your renovations. If you need an extra hand sometime, let me know!

Hi Sharon---it was very nice to meet you and we will not hesitate to ask advice as it looks like you are a very skilled gardener! Regarding the huge bathroom, I still have no idea how we will outfit it and decorate it!

Reply

Colleen

4/12/2012 06:32:16 am

I love the fact that the Lee girls stayed in that room (the huge bathroom) when they visited!